SpacePairs: A Match Made in Haven . . . Literally!

If you’re one of our more dedicated readers, then you’re likely already aware of the fact that we’re huge suckers for puzzle and memory games. There’s just something about an app that tests our mental mettle that gets our juices flowing. As such, we’re pretty stoked to introduce you today to SpacePairs by developer Metaphase 07. The app provides us with a social and competitive way to memorize tiles and match up pairs. Best of all, it’s completely free in the App Store! So if that sounds like a winning combination, then scroll on down below the break for our full review!

Concept and Gameplay

At first blush, SpacePairs might look an heck of a lot like a traditional and standard memory matching game. And it is! The game is quite classic in the way that it works: Each level presents you with a random assortment of space-themed cards, which you get a few seconds of face time with. After that, these tiles are flipped over and hidden out of sight. From there, it’s up to you to expose the pairs as quickly as possible, with as few mistakes as possible, and as efficiently as possible. Out of all of this you’ll get a point value, which you can then take to the bank to improve your character.

Yes, your character! You see, SpacePairs may look traditional, but one of the neat things about it is its social integration. You have your very own avatar, which you can upgrade and level up by playing the game. You can also compete via Game Center with other users online, which is a tremendous boon. All in all, this added platform makes SpacePairs one of the greatest ways to play a standard matching game online, especially on the iPhone and iPad.

Design and Graphics

SpacePairs for iPhone

We have to admit, SpacePairs looks pretty slick on both devices, as well. We weren’t such big fans of the generic space background behind the game board—or the repetitive cards—but we have no real complaints aside from this. The avatar system looks great, and the spinning wheel of game options ensures that we’re never far away from a game. All in all, the interface is quick to navigate, the game pieces look nice, and the controls could not be simpler. And that’s a winner in our book!

Overall Value

Best of all, SpacePairs is completely free. That means that, if you’re into the genre, you’ve got nothing to lose by booting it up and giving it a go. It comes with a lot of online fun, intelligent and fluid graphics, and enough arcade single player to keep even the hardest of fans active. So all in all, SpacePairs earns a solid rating and our recommendation, as well.

SpacePairs requires iOS 4.1 or later and is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. A small expedite fee was paid by the developer to speed up the publication of this review.